Yeast infection refers to a fungal disease that affects many parts of the body. Candida is the scientific name for yeast(1). It lives almost everywhere including your body.
Your immune system must be strong enough to keep this yeast under control. Candida infection affects many parts of your body and causes rational itching, rashes, irritation, and further infection.
The infection usually multiplies when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body changes. Take an aromatic treatment of essential oils for yeast infection and get a soothing effect.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from different parts of the plant which inhibit strong elements of the same and have the ability to treat the worse of diseases naturally.
Essential oils are great for use in a yeast infection as they are antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and cause less or no side effects.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies to Treat Yeast Infection]
What Essential Oils Are Good for Yeast Infection?
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for getting rid of consistent yeast infection. The oil has antibacterial properties which makes it a great alternative to synthetic chemicals and medications. It has anti-fungal properties and quickly re-balances the bacterial levels in the vagina.
How to Use?
- Tea tree oil is quite healthy and is needed in minimal quantity only to cure the infection. Thus, it gives best results if it is mixed in a carrier oil
- You can add a few drops of tea tree oil in olive oil or coconut oil
- Apply it on the affected areas
For male yeast infection also, the above cure works.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil has several medicinal properties. It enhances the immunity of the body, has antidiabetic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, and antifungal properties(2).
Due to its antifungal properties, it helps treat all sorts of yeast infection, and due to its immune system boosting ability, it helps maintain the balance of bacteria and viruses in the body.
How to Use?
- Neem oil-enriched soaps and creams are available in the market readily
- You can use them while bathing
- Neem oil pills and capsules are also available in the market
- You can ingest them directly
3. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has a high concentration of phenols which is relevant in curing fungal infection. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It completely inhibits the growth of Candida. In return, Candida is not able to resist oregano oil as it does not have antifungal agents.
How to Use?
- Add a few drops of oregano essential oil in a glass of water
- Consume it each morning
- You can also buy oregano oil capsules for more convenient dosage
4. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is an excellent, potent antibiotic and has a lot of other medicinal properties as compared to all the essential oils for yeast infection. It consists of allicin. It has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The antimicrobial properties of this oil make it a perfect remedy for yeast infections.
How to Use?
- Many creams are available in the market which has garlic oil in them
- You can use them for direct application
- You can also add garlic oil in coconut oil
- Apply it on the affected areas
[Also Read: Garlic to Treat Yeast Infection]
5. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon Oil has cinnamanol and cinnamaldehyde which have antioxidant and antifungal properties(3). They help a lot in reducing the severity of the yeast infection and also reduce the discomfort caused by it.
How to use?
- Dilute 4-5 drops of cinnamon oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- Apply it topically to the areas of discomfort on the outside of the vagina
- You can also apply this mixture to a tampon for internal use, although it is not necessary
6. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil works very fast on any yeast infection. Its active ingredient thymol provides efficacy against yeast infections and boosts the immune system of the body preventing further infections.
How to use?
- You can blend five drops of thyme oil with one tablespoon of jojoba oil
- Apply the mixture to a tampon
- Leave the tampon in your vagina for at least an hour
- It allows the oil to neutralize the fungal infection effectively
7. Orange Oil
Orange essential oil has a high content of Vitamin C and other compounds containing antioxidants. It is instrumental in treating molds and fungi of all types and is very helpful in the treatment of yeast infection.
How to use?
- You should always dilute the orange oil in a milder carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
- Topically apply it to the infected area on the vagina
- Allow it to sit temporarily and absorb before washing it off or flushing it with a vaginal douche
[Also Read: Herbs to Ease Yeast Infection]
8. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has potent anti-fungal properties, and it speeds up the healing process of any disease. It not only heals quickly but also makes you less susceptible to any yeast infection in the future.
How to use?
- Always dilute this oil with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil
- Apply it directly to the local inflammation or area that hurts near the vagina
- The skin absorbs this oil, but only 3-4 drops are needed for it to be effective
9. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a fantastic cleanser and decongestant for your skin(4). It has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and helps reduce yeast infections and the overgrowth of Candida.
How to use?
- Products having peppermint oil are readily available in the market
- You can apply them to your skin
- You can also use a few drops of the oil directly on your skin
Side Effects
Essential oils for yeast infection are highly photosensitive and can cause burns and damage your skin severely if you expose your skin in sunlight after application. The oils can also cause irritation and itching on the surface depending on the skin type or on the majorly sensitive skin.
[Also Read: Probiotics for Yeast Infection]
Risks of Using Essential Oils
The direct application of the essential oils for yeast infection might not suit everybody and can exaggerate the infection on the surface. Overly sensitive skin is not able to adopt all the essential oils and may get highly itchy after use.
Precautions
Before using any essential oil on your skin and body, consult your doctor as he might be able to guide you better. Before applying an essential oil to your skin surface, take a patch test on the back of your hand as the oil might cause allergy, yeast infection itch, and irritation to your body. The lid of the bottles of the oil must remain close.
FAQs
1. Can Pregnant Ladies Use These Oils as Well?
Pregnant ladies have a different set of hormonal balance and growth. They must never consume or apply any of these oils without consulting a doctor. Same applies to children.
2. Can Essential Oils Prevent the Occurrence of a Yeast Infection?
Some essential oils can boost your immune system and prevent the imbalance of bacteria in your body, so if these oils get consumed on a regular level, they can help prevent the occurrence of yeast infection again.
Essential oils are a house of natural remedies. With natural and safe ingredients and the least of side effects, these essential oils can treat all types of yeast infections if you take them in the right way.
